Kia, Hyundai Touch-Screen Systems Gain Google Maps Integration

Hyundai and Kia announced that their in-car navigation systems, BlueLink and UVO, will be updated to add Google Maps features. That will add driving directions and more to the Hyundai BlueLink and Kia UVO touchscreen systems.

In addition to standard driving directions, Google Maps integration will add point-of-interest and local search functions to both of the touchscreen interfaces. Drivers can even search by speaking aloud through the BlueLink and UVO voice-recognition features. Plus, drivers can use a Send To Car feature from a smartphone app to send driving directions to the car remotely.

Hyundai BlueLink and Kia UVO already offer features like Bluetooth phone calling, roadside assistance, smartphone integration that allows users to lock or unlock the car remotely, and more. BlueLink is available on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, Veloster, Azera, Genesis Coupe, Elantra GT, and Genesis sedan. UVO is available on the 2013 Kia Optima, Rio, Sorento, Soul, and Sportage.

Hyundai has yet to confirm when its updated software will debut. Kia says the 2014 Sorento crossover (pictured below), which goes on sale in the first quarter of this year, will be the first new car with Google Maps.